I believe the OP is trying to make a political statement through the use of a metaphor about the "fairness" of a Church being exempt from taxes. A rather clever one at that - and, IMO, the OP makes a good point.

Here is my counter point: Life ain't "fair." This Country was founded a religious tradition which is at the core of her cultural fabric. Religious tax exemption was intended to make the exercise of that tradition "fair," by making sure it was protected from government coercion. The idea that our Country would lose it's fundamental religious underpinnings was never a consideration. - until now...

But be patient, that cultural fabric began to tear decades ago and is now nearly gone. Barring a tragic event that suddenly stops the rending of our religious cultural heritage, it will all be gone before the next generation passes away. Then, as happened in Western Europe in the 15th century, and in East Asia and Russia in the past century, the government will simply seize the Church's assets and "redistribute the wealth" to it's preferred classes. All will be equal...except of course, some will be more equal than others.

Well if I was a liberal I would say separation of Church and State. There is no separation of book club and State.

__________________
Laws that forbid the carrying of arms… disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes… Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man. -Jefferson’s “Commonplace Book,” 1774_1776, quoting from On Crimes and Punishment, by criminologist Cesare Beccaria, 1764

I've got a serious question. If a church doesn't pay property taxes and a fire starts in the church and the fire is not endangering any other building, why should the city be responsible for putting out the fire in the church, since the church doesn't pay the taxes out of which the fire protection is paid for? And why should they be entitled to other city services, like water, sewer, garbage, police, etc that come out of property taxes?

What I am asking is what is the history of this and justification for it. Workers in churches have to pay income taxes, etc. I am not trying to start an argument about church/state separation or taxes. I'm just curious about why churches get these services when they don't pay for them.

I've got a serious question. If a church doesn't pay property taxes and a fire starts in the church and the fire is not endangering any other building, why should the city be responsible for putting out the fire in the church, since the church doesn't pay the taxes out of which the fire protection is paid for? And why should they be entitled to other city services, like water, sewer, garbage, police, etc that come out of property taxes?

What I am asking is what is the history of this and justification for it. Workers in churches have to pay income taxes, etc. I am not trying to start an argument about church/state separation or taxes. I'm just curious about why churches get these services when they don't pay for them.

Would you apply the same non-response policy to other non-profit orgs that don't pay property taxes too?

Would you apply the same non-response policy to other non-profit orgs that don't pay property taxes too?

I'm asking a serious question here about churches and property taxes. Does a non church non profit organization, like the Red Cross, etc. also not pay property taxes on buildings they own? And if so, what is the historical justification for this? Anyone know?

I'm asking a serious question here about churches and property taxes. Does a non church non profit organization, like the Red Cross, etc. also not pay property taxes on buildings they own? And if so, what is the historical justification for this? Anyone know?

Non-profit non-churches have been tax-exempt here in Wi for over 150 years. But some cities are trying to change that. The justification is non-profits provide a level of benevolence beyond what their tax payments would provide.

Atheists have done more than their fair share of killing and one doesn't have to go too far back in history in search of examples. Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, come to mind...

One of the things I think religion was designed to do was to help men to control the naturally violent, aggressive parts of himself. That part was helpful when we all lived as hunter gatherers for millions of years up to 10,000 years ago. But now that we are "civilized", we need to control that aspect of our personality a whole lot. Some, like Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot and Hitler clearly did a very poor job. And many religious types also lost their way. The Crusades are an example. So anything that helps tame to some degree our wild, savage side is a good thing.

I don't know why you are on this kick, but lighten up. You are not my editor. You don't get to advise me on how to write a sentence or which words to choose. Say whatever you want if you don't think I am saying it properly.

I don't know why you are on this kick, but lighten up. You are not my editor. You don't get to advise me on how to write a sentence or which words to choose. Say whatever you want if you don't think I am saying it properly.

Well that's kind of funny cause you very much DO try to correct other people's word usage.

We have numerous non-profits here. Churches, University, Hospitals...just to name a few. "Should" they be taxed for their property? Sure...but they'll cease to exist...so...no...probably not in society's best interest.

The owner of the building is paying property taxes, for fire, police ect. If you are not generating income, then what do you have to be taxed on?

You pay sales tax on the products you use, from money that was taxed from the income that created it.

Why should an organization pay taxes just to exist?

__________________
The only thing that counts in the end is power! Naked merciless force! -Ursus
The Devil made me do it the first time, the second time I did it on my own-Waylon
Helmets are like rubbers you know you should wear one, but its so much better when you don't.-Me
Sometimes I think its a sin, when I feel like I am winning when I am losing again.-GL
First comes smiles, then lies. Last is gunfire. Roland

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